Actions Steps for Friday, February 11, 2011
House Chambers
We ask that you show up at the capitol as early as 9:00 a.m. Although the session itself won’t begin until 12:00 noon, this is a great opportunity for you to make a personal visit to your legislator BEFORE the vote. You can let them know that you oppose SB 232 and that you will be in the gallery as the vote is taken. Of course we expect anyone who makes contact with their legislators to be courteous and brief. The staff of your legislator would love to hear from you.
Try to be in the House Chambers around 11:00 a.m. There is expected to be a big crowd and if you want a seat, this is crucial.
After the vote is taken, you can gather outside of the chambers and work your way back to your legislator’s office. At that point you can once again let them know that you were there in the chambers for the vote and you want them to know how you FEEL about the way they voted. Whichever way they vote.
FINAL NOTE
Although being at the capitol tomorrow is critical, is it absolutely important that you make your contact TODAY. If you have not done so already, click here to take action (if you have not done so already). Also, please forward this email to all your friends and family.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Mahalo for your time!
BE AT THE CAPITOL ON FRIDAY! CONTACT REPRESENTATIVES!
Civil Unions (SB 232 SD1 HD1) Scheduled for FULL HOUSE DECISION MAKING ON FRIDAY!
As we reported yesterday, the civil unions bill (SB 232) was passed by a vote of 11 (yes) to 2 (no) in the House Judiciary committee. The committee amended the version. The bill has been scheduled for decision making in the House THIS FRIDAY. That means that you only have today and tomorrow to make contact with your legislator.
***FULL TEXT and STATUS: SB 232 SD1 HD1***
Remember, if SB 232 SD1 HD1 (civil unions) passes the House, it will then go over to the Senate and they will have to agree to the changes. If they do not agree, the bill will go to a conference committee with members from both chambers so they can work out their differences. What you may not know, is only members who VOTED IN SUPPORT SB 232 can be appointed to the conference committee. In conference committee, no input from the public is accepted.
If the Senate agrees to the amendments, the bill could go straight to the Governor who has publicly stated he would sign the bill.
If this issue does matter to you, then please take a moment to contact your own representative and let them know you do not want civil unions/same-sex marriage in Hawaii.
****It is very simple for you to make that contact: LINK TO FAMILY FORUM GRASSROOTS ACTION CENTER****
The link will automatically set you up to type a quick note of opposition to your legislator. If you have never used our system before all you have to do is click the link and you will be taken to a very simple page where you fill in the information. You do not need to know your legislator’s name, the system will match you up with your legislator based on your address.
Once you do that, please forward this email to at least five to ten of your friends and ask them to do the same.
Finally, PLEASE SHOW UP AT THE CAPITOL ON FRIDAY. WEAR YOUR WHITE SHIRTS. Keep in mind, once again, that what you do between now and Friday, will be what determines the outcome. Each and every one of us has a duty and privilege to participate in the democratic process.
Thanks again for all that you do to make a difference!!!!!!!
RESOURCES
***Talking Points on civil union: http://www.hawaiifamilyforum.org/filemgmt/index.php?id=27
***Directory of Representatives and Senators (PDF): http://www.hawaiifamilyforum.org/filemgmt/index.php?id=29
***Click the link below to log in and send your message: http://www.votervoice.net/core.aspx?aid=998&issueid=23689&atid=18298&siteid=0&app=GAC&isvisited=true